FTSE powers to six-month high

The FTSE leapt to a six-month high on Thursday thanks to bumper corporate results across Europe and the US and a strong showing from miners.

Shortly before 2pm, London's leading index was 30 points, or 0.5%, higher at 5,758. It earlier peaked at 5,776, its highest level since late April. It follows yesterday's gain of 0.4%, as UK investors continue to appear unfazed by the Spending Review. Intercontinental Hotels Group has advanced 4% with BT Group, Diageo, Anglo American and British Airways also gaining. Miners, including Anglo American and Rio Tinto, profited following a rise in metal prices, while strong earnings results and positive data from China indicated an upturn in the global economy. London's gains were mi...